Orthodontics is a sizeable investment in your child’s health.

As many parents are aware, good dental health will carry a person in good stead throughout their entire life. However, many people often don’t know whether their child or teenager does need braces. The best answer to this question will come from an orthodontist, but here are some factors that may indicate you need to make an appointment for appraisal:

Behavioural factors:

Mouth breathing

Thumb or finger sucking

Difficulty chewing or biting

Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth

Excessive or long term thumb or finger sucking has long been known to cause dental differences. In some cases, excessive pacifier use will cause changes in the shape of the mouth and dental abnormalities. If you have an infant or toddler and you are worried about how thumb sucking or pacifier use may impact your child, talk to your dentist about implementing good habits for your child.

If you find that your child has food or particles consistently caught between their teeth despite proper brushing techniques and flossing (or an inability to floss certain areas) it may be an indication that braces are required.

You may also notice some other indicators such as crowding, misplaced or blocked-out teeth, as well as teeth that meet abnormally. If you can hear your child’s jaw making sounds you should seek a consultation with an orthodontist.

Other examples are:

Early, late, or irregular loss of baby teeth. Your child’s dentist will be able to give an indication of whether your child is abnormal in this respect.

If your child or teenager has jaws or teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face, protrude or are recessed.

If you think your child or teenager may need braces or you would like an orthodontic appraisal, then contact Tony Weir Orthodontics today.

It’s already complicated being a teenager and sometimes braces can only worsen the struggle faced by a young person while they navigate their way through adolescence. Braces can cause self-esteem issues and be nuisances in everyday activities such as eating, talking and playing sports. However, the work is always worth it in the end! In this article, we look at how we can help teenagers through their treatment and hopefully make it that little bit easier.

Investigate Alternatives

In many cases, there will be alternatives to a regular brace that can achieve the same result. If your teenager is particularly unhappy with the effect that braces have on their appearance, then you can look into lingual braces or Invisalign . These treatments can be more expensive than a traditional external brace, but if it makes the patient significantly happier then that means an easier life for them, their parents and their orthodontist!

Find Someone Who Can Empathise

Sometimes braces can be uncomfortable, painful and frustrating to wear. If you had braces yourself in the past, then talk about your experience with your teenager so that they know that you understand what they’re going through. If you’ve never had a brace, then ask a family member who has to have a chat with your child so that they feel they have someone to talk to about their issues.

Perhaps an older sibling or cousin had braces previously and can show your teenager before and after photos of their treatment so that they know it’ll be worth it in the end – the important thing is that your teenager knows they aren’t alone.

Turn Low Self Esteem into Brace Pride

We live in a modern society and wearing braces doesn’t have to be a bad thing! Spend some time with your teenager looking at photos of celebrities who wear or have worn braces and you’ll be surprised at what you find. Try searching Instagram for #braces, #braceface or even #babeswithbraces and you’ll instantly find thousands of photos of people happily undergoing orthodontic treatment. A brace is an investment in a future perfect smile and with many options of colours and types of braces, your teenager has some control over customising their look.

Focus on Results

Your Brisbane orthodontist will be able to give you a rough estimation of how long the treatment will take, so keep your teenager upbeat by focusing on how soon the day will come when they are brace-free with a beautiful straight smile. To your teenager, it may seem like they’ll be wearing the brace forever but with a busy life of schooling, extra-curricular activities and socialising, the final day will arrive in no time. Take photos along the way when their brace is changed so they can visualise their progress for extra motivation.

To find out about the range of braces we offer at Tony Weir Orthodontics, call us now on 07 3054 6767 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Orthodontics plays an important part in both your child’s health and the appearance of their smile. Early detection and prevention is the key to their future oral health, so read on to find out more about children’s orthodontics.

When Should My Child First See an Orthodontist?

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends the first orthodontic appointment around the age of 6 or 7. This is the stage at which adult teeth usually appear and enough baby teeth will have erupted for developmental issues to become clear. At this stage, your orthodontist will decide whether treatment is necessary straight away or if it would be better to wait until your child is a little older.

Early Intervention is Key

Early intervention in your child’s orthodontic issues aims to reduce or eliminate the need for further treatment in later life. As a parent, early treatment can represent huge potential savings on more serious treatment at a later date as well as avoiding the stress of oral surgery. Professional treatment of tooth alignment or jaw issues at an early age can set your child up with a beautiful healthy smile for life.

Why Does My Young Child Need Treatment?

In some circumstances, it is recommended to postpone treatment for a few years but in many cases, your orthodontist will choose to intervene as early as possible when there is something wrong. A young child’s teeth and jaws are easier to shape so treatment is much simpler than on a fully-grown adult mouth. Your orthodontist’s goal is not just to fix problems but to prevent them occurring in the future.

Childhood Orthodontic Treatments

The most common orthodontic treatment for children is a brace or retainer . These are designed to correct misalignment which is both a functional and aesthetic issue. If severe misalignment goes untreated, this can cause problems with eating and speaking in later life as well as self-confidence issues from having a crooked smile.

Braces for children are very common and can be made to look as subtle or brightly-coloured as your child would like. Other problems such as protruding teeth, overcrowding, poor bite alignment or congenitally missing teeth can be solved using specific treatment methods.

Signs Your Child Should Visit an Orthodontist

All children develop in their own way so it can be difficult to tell if your child’s teeth are growing in properly. However, there are a few warning signs to watch out for when monitoring your child’s oral health. If your child loses their baby teeth very early or late, has difficulty chewing or biting, or has teeth that seem to meet abnormally then it’s worth getting this checked by an orthodontic specialist.

In addition to this, there are several common oral habits amongst small children that can give rise to orthodontic issues in the future, such as thumb sucking, breathing through the mouth, tooth grinding and tongue thrusting.

To find out about how orthodontic treatment can help your child, call Tony Weir Orthodontics now on 07 3054 6767 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Choosing an orthodontist is an important decision as you will be spending significant time and money on your treatment. Below, we list some of the key factors to consider when making your decision.

Convenient Location

When searching for a new orthodontist, finding a practice in a convenient location is an important factor. Make sure the location fits into your daily routine and not simply near your home – if you are planning orthodontic treatment for yourself then a location near to your workplace will be most convenient. If you are arranging treatment for your child, a practice near their school will minimise time away from the classroom. The Tony Weir team works out of two offices in Corinda and Greenslopes so you can arrange appointments at whichever location is best for you.

Practical Opening Times

At Tony Weir, we understand it can be difficult to fit orthodontic appointments into your busy schedule, so we offer extended opening times for your convenience. Tuesday-Saturday, one of our offices is open from 7.45am so you have the freedom to make appointments before school or work begins for the day. In addition to this, our Corinda office is open on Saturdays for those times when a weekday appointment just isn’t possible.

Advanced Technology

We believe that in order to give the best possible care to our patients, it is vital to keep up with the latest advances in orthodontic technology, including the best in diagnostic imaging and treatment services. One example of the technology that we use is heat-activated brace wires which control the rate of your teeth movement and result in fewer adjustment visits.

Client Focus

Orthodontic treatment can take upwards of 12 months to complete, so you want to know that you’ll be spending time in a caring environment with dental and office staff who put patient needs first. At Tony Weir Orthodontics, we see your first consultation as the start of our relationship and pledge to always do the very best we can in looking after you, we listen to you when you talk and do our very best to minimise waiting times.

Leaders in the Field

Whether you’re looking for Invisalign, braces or combined treatments, you want to be safe in the hands of an experienced and knowledgeable team. Our practice was the first in Australia to achieve platinum-level certification from Invisalign and our founder, Dr Weir, has continued to drive the practice forward ever since. With over 30 years of experience, Dr Weir is not only a highly qualified orthodontic specialist but also a lecturer and clinical consultant for Invisalign internationally.

Reputation

A great way to choose your next orthodontist is by relying on recommendations, testimonials and past patient experiences. When you know patients before you have had successful treatment and a positive orthodontic experience, it gives you peace of mind that you’re making the right decision. Check out our smile gallery to see the stunning transformations we have worked to achieve for real patients.

Understand the Costs

Shopping around for treatment doesn’t just mean choosing the cheapest service but finding a solution that is right for your unique needs. At Tony Weir, we do not claim to be the cheapest practice in Brisbane, but we are committed to providing the best possible treatment using the most appropriate products. We will provide you with a detailed treatment quotation in advance so that there are no nasty surprises and no hidden costs. We can also offer payment plans to help ease the burden.

To learn more about what we offer at Tony Weir Orthodontics, call us now on 07 3054 6767 or visit our contact page for more ways to get in touch.

Help make the most out of your child’s braces treatment…

During your child’s braces treatment they may feel a little self-conscious at times, most often the beginning of the treatment can take some getting used to. This adjustment time should be handled carefully, and with the following tips it can be a fun experience. At Tony Weir Orthodontics in Greenslopes and Corinda we will do everything we can to ensure your braces appointments are fun and exciting.

Coloured bands on your brackets…

During your child’s treatment let their personality shine with different colours available for the bands on the brackets. Your appointments for tightening and any readjusting will occur approximately every eight months which means the colours can be suited to a particular holiday or special occasion.

Become a smoothie connoisseur…

At the beginning of your child’s treatment and often after tightening appointments you child’s mouth can be tender and sore. Try to make this period a little more enjoyable by incorporating fun foods into your diet. The following list is some ideas that are filling and soothing for mouth:

Smoothies, try to stick to recipes low in sugar, we still want to ensure we are maintaining good oral health, only with extra comfort

Soup, the warm and smooth texture of soup can be used as a full meal and it’s easy to eat!

Apple sauce, this is a great snack that taste great and is easy to eat!

It’s important to remember that there are foods such as corn, chicken wings and hard sweets that should be avoided with braces, but if you can come up with some creative ideas to make meal time braces friendly this can make the treatment that much more fun and exciting.

Look forward to achieving a straight smile…

Braces treatment should be an exciting time, you are preparing your mouth to achieve a straight smile, and this is exciting! While treatment time is different for each individual most people keep their braces on for 12-15 months, which is not long considering you are gaining a lifetime of straight smiles. Get your child excited about having straight teeth and before you know it their treatment will done!

Remember braces are for everyone at any age; consider getting braces with your kids…

Why not share this experience with your kids; there is no limit on the age you can straighten teeth so making it a family affair can always be a bonding experience for the both of you. At Tony Weir Orthodontics we offer virtually invisible treatment options that may work best for mum and dad.

Our orthodontic treatments include:

Traditional Braces (metal braces)

Lingual Braces (braces behind your teeth)

Invisalign (clear plastic aligners)

Removable Appliances

Elastics

Dr Tony Weir will assess you or your child’s mouth to determine what treatment is best suited. He will take into account your lifestyle and oral health and establish the best treatment option for you. At Tony Weir Orthodontics, we want our patients to have the best care possible and the best results. This is why we have invested in the most up-to-date technology. We have technology like heat-activated wires, which let you control the tension moving your teeth at an optimal rate. This means adjustment visits can now be made up to eight weeks apart, leaving you more time to enjoy your life and less time in the dental chair.

Remember having braces is the first step to achieving your ideal smile and the ideal smile for your children. Making the experience fun can be a great way to pass the treatment time quickly.

Wisdom tooth problems are so common that 9 out of 10 people undergo surgery or treatment for at least one wisdom tooth. Teenagers are most likely to develop wisdom tooth related problems as these third molars develop by the time we turn 17 or 18. If you’re in your late teens or twenties and want to get your teeth straightened, make sure you get your mouth examined to determine whether your wisdom teeth have made any progress. Wisdom teeth that come out straight generally pose no problem to the other teeth in the mouth. If they do come out at an angle or remain impacted in the gum, they could cause a number of different problems.

If you’re about to remove your braces and find out that your wisdom teeth are coming out, you’ll have to get them monitored by the orthodontist, as you risk losing all the work you’ve done on your teeth.

When is Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?

You might have to remove your wisdom teeth if they are going to displace teeth that have already been straightened. Impacted wisdom teeth are also best removed before they cause any complications. If you haven’t started orthodontic work yet and your wisdom teeth are coming out at an angle, consider getting them extracted before you spend time and money on straightening your teeth.

Alignment of teeth can take a couple of years. So if your wisdom teeth erupt and crowd your mouth, they might undo several years’ worth of orthodontic work. Whether you’ll have to extract your wisdom tooth before wearing braces or after removing them, will depend entirely on your individual case. If wisdom tooth surgery is recommended, you should try to undergo the procedure before the roots get firmly embedded within the jawbone.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

The earlier you get problematic wisdom teeth removed, the faster you’ll recover. Infected wisdom teeth damage the gum, cause cysts and unbearable toothache. Decayed wisdom teeth can also start rotting the adjacent teeth, causing even more problems. With the availability of modern tools, X-ray machines and pain control medications, wisdom teeth removal is now considered a fairly routine procedure.

There are a few risks to be aware of, namely delayed healing and sensitivity in the lips/mouth caused by damage to the mandibular nerve. Those in their teens and twenties heal faster than seniors so it’s important to take this into consideration when you’re contemplating wisdom tooth removal surgery.

In most cases the pros of undergoing the surgery outweigh the cons. Once your wisdom teeth are extracted, you can keep your teeth straight for a long time by using Invisalign, braces and finally dental retainers.

If you want to know more about wisdom teeth and braces, speak to our experienced orthodontists at Tony Weir Orthodontics . We help you achieve fantastic smiles by offering you the best dental solutions for all your tooth problems. We have been practising for more than twenty years and have received platinum-level certification from Invisalign for having fitted their transparent braces on hundreds of patients suffering from misaligned teeth.

Patients suffering from teeth grinding or bruxism tend to grind their teeth while sleeping at night. There are many underlying causes of teeth grinding and it can be quite difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, especially if the patient does not present any mechanical tooth problem like misalignment or gaps in the teeth.

Stress, teeth erupting, psychiatric problems, medications and temporomandibular (jaw joint) disorders are common culprits. If stress is the cause, the patient will have to further identify the stressors that trigger teeth grinding and avoid them when possible.

How Teeth Grinding Affects You

Teeth grinding can be troublesome for both patients and their partners. Since it is audible, it can greatly disturb the person sleeping in the same room as the patient. Patients who grind their teeth often suffer from jaw aches and headaches during the day. Their jaws may make clicking sounds when they open their mouths to eat, laugh or talk. One of the biggest concerns is the amount of tooth damage grinding can cause. Frequent teeth grinding destroys the enamel on the tooth’s surface and in extreme cases leads to root exposure and increased tooth sensitivity.

Patients suffering from teeth grinding should visit their dentist to determine if the grinding is caused by mechanical tooth problems as these concerns can be fixed through braces, dental bridges or implants. Once the teeth are correctly aligned, patients might not feel the need to grind their teeth in their sleep any longer.

How Braces Prevent Teeth Grinding

Orthodontics like braces and retainers hold the teeth in place, offering a better bite and smile. They straighten the teeth and prevent grinding in some patients. There are several types of braces available today, from the most discreet, natural looking ones to the more durable metallic ones. Once your teeth are brought into correct alignment, you will have to use retainers, so that they don’t gradually return to their former position. Infrequent use of retainers will not keep the teeth straight, so the problem of teeth grinding will return if the teeth shift back to their uneven state.

Oftentimes, the grinding becomes more severe in the first few weeks after braces have been fitted. This is because your mouth has to adjust to the new brace. As the teeth become aligned, the grinding will decrease and ultimately become a thing of the past.

Treating the Causes of Bruxism

It’s easier to tackle teeth grinding if the true cause is known. In certain cases, patients suffering from teeth grinding can’t identify the real cause and this greatly impacts their quality of life. Antidepressant medications, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease are also responsible for teeth grinding in a certain few people. Patients suffering from this condition are often prescribed muscle relaxants to ease jaw pain.

If stress is the cause, patients are asked to pursue stress relieving activities and avoid caffeinated products that disrupt normal sleep patterns. They also have to use mouthguards to protect their teeth and reduce the sound associated with teeth grinding. Mouth guards are custom-designed orthodontic appliances that protect the teeth in the upper and lower jaw from damage caused by unconscious teeth grinding. These guards are made of acrylic and they cushion the teeth, protecting them from enamel erosion.

If you have trouble sleeping at night due to teeth grinding, speak to our friendly practitioners at Tony Weir Orthodontics to find a suitable treatment plan. We offer you high-quality orthodontics to improve your quality of life.

Reach us online to book an appointment or give us a call on 07 3278 1492. We operate from two locations in Brisbane for your greater convenience.

Once purely the reserve of teenagers, orthodontic braces have recently become more popular with adults who are keen on achieving their dream smile!

In fact, even A-list celebrities have been seen sporting train tracks and metal mouths, and many have admitted that their movie star smiles have had a little help from orthodontics.

From singers and actors of all ages, check out this list of celebs who have embraced braces to achieve their smiles.

Angelina Jolie, Hollywood’s leading actress – braces as a teenager

Beyonce Knowles, RnB superstar – adult braces at 29

Britney Spears, pop sensation – braces and retainer in her teenage years

Dakota Fanning, who won our hearts in I Am Sam – braces in early teens

Delta Goodrem, singer-songwriter – adult braces at 20

Faye Dunaway, celebrity actress – adult braces at 61!

Gwen Stefani, queen of punk rock – adult braces at 30

Khloe Kardashian, celebrity sister – adult Invisalign

Niall Horan, One Direction boy bander – teenage braces

Nicolas Cage, actor – underwent orthodontic treatment between films.

Prince Harry, English royalty – braces in his 20s

Tom Cruise, A-list actor – adult braces at 39

Wear Your Braces with Pride!

You may be even more surprised to hear that a lot of these celebrities have opted for traditional metal braces , instead of deciding on less visible options such as clear Invisalign braces, and lingual braces that are fitted to the inside of teeth. With this statement, celebs are showing that they’re not just embracing their braces; they’re showing them off loud and proud!

When superstar Beyonce donned the full metal brackets there was nothing technically wrong with her teeth. The RnB star has said she wanted to send a message to millions of her teenage fans that ‘faces with braces’ can still have ‘grins that wins’.

Another famous songstress, Gwen Stefani, said her braces were the first thing she bought once her punk rock band No Doubt made a bit of money. ‘I always told myself when I got rich, that’s the first thing I’d do,’ Gwen has claimed.

Wearing braces shows you care about looking after your teeth, and your future smile. And there’s nothing cooler than being yourself, and showing that to the world – if you’re not bothered by your braces it’s likely no one else is either!

Feel Better About Braces

These days, traditional braces come in a range of different colours and styles and the latest versions are almost invisible, with clear or natural coloured brackets. If it’s still important to you or your child to have a less visible treatment option, you may like to consider the virtually invisible lingual braces or clear Invisalign aligners.

Book an Appointment with a Professional Orthodontist

Whichever treatment option you choose, we hope this has been a nice reminder that even the rich and the famous aren’t born with perfect teeth.

If your child or teenager is feeling self-conscious about their braces, remind them of this fact, and show them some photos of Beyonce and Britney, Prince Harry and Niall. And if you’ve been unsure about getting adult braces yourself, remember – if Tom Cruise and Faye Dunaway can do it in their 40s and 60s, so can you!

Do you want a straighter smile without the visible wires and brackets of traditional braces?

Lingual braces are just like conventional braces, except the brackets and wires are attached to the back of your teeth instead of the front. This makes them invisible to see, so if you are looking to straighten your teeth, but are self-conscious about the look of visible braces, this could be the best orthodontic treatment for you.

Who Are Lingual Braces Right for?

An experienced orthodontist will be able to advise you if lingual braces are the best option for you. Most people are perfect candidates for this type of treatment.

However, adults may find it a particularly attractive option as their appearance will not be altered in any way throughout the treatment – work colleagues, friends and strangers won’t even know your braces are there!

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Lingual Braces?

Like all orthodontic treatments, there are certain pros and cons to lingual braces.

Here are both the advantages and disadvantages of lingual braces, to provide you with a bit more information about the treatment when you speak to an orthodontist further.

The Pros

The number one advantage of lingual braces is that you’ll feel less self-conscious about your braces when talking to other people.

In addition, compared to the conventional kind, lingual braces don’t distort the natural contour of your lips. Your appearance will not be altered at all, overall.

As well as these advantages, lingual braces are also guaranteed to have a treatment time that is the same or less compared to front-facing braces.

The Cons

The primary disadvantage of lingual braces is their cost – they are generally approximately twice as expensive as conventional braces. This is something you will need to weigh up when you discuss your options with your orthodontist. If invisibility of your braces is important to your career, social life or just your own self-esteem, you may consider it a solid and worthy investment in the long run.

Another factor to consider when choosing lingual braces is that you may find it a little difficult to speak for a few days while you get used to them. A professional orthodontist will be able to help you adjust to your lingual braces, and provide you with information and assistance at each stage of your treatment.

If you’d like to find out more about lingual braces , and if it’s the best orthodontic option for you, call (07) 3054 6763 or contact us online to book an appointment. An orthodontist will be able to provide an expert opinion and treatment plan for you, helping you achieve a more confident, beautiful smile.

Functional appliances are plates used by orthodontists to correct bites in growing children. The most common bite problem is where the front teeth protrude further than the lower teeth causing a buck tooth effect. In a growing child this sort of problem can be corrected using functional appliances.

A function appliance works by stimulating an exercise that promotes change in the way that the jaw and teeth are developing and results in a correcting of the teeth overlap as the teeth and jaw grow.

Functional appliances are an excellent means of correcting bites in growing children and are cheaper and more economical than braces .